Distant control for automotive machines and material-handling machines



March 3,. 1931. K. DAVIS 1,794,446

DISTANT CONTROL FOR AUTOMOTIVE MACHINES AND MATERIAL HANDLING MACHINES Filed Nov. 2, 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 3, 1931. K. DAVIS 1,794,446

DISTANT CONTROL FOR AUTOMOTIVEMACHINES AND MATERIAL HANDLING MACHINES Filed Nov. 2, 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 o a! /4 5 J l 4 /d( 7 4 A J 7&4 Y /////7%) Q INVNTOR I TOPNEV March 3, 1931. DAVIS 7 1,794,446

DISTANT CONTROL FOR AUTOMOTIVE MACHINES AND MATERIAL HANDLING MACHINES Filed Nov. 2; 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 w 2 INV ENTOR.

ATT NEY March 3, 1931. DAVE, 1,794,446

DISTANT CONTROL FOR AUTOMOTIVE MACHINES AND MATERIAL HANDLING MACHINES Filed Nov. 2, 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

B I j ATTNEY Patented Mar. 3, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE KENNETH DAVIS, OF ST. BENEDICT, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOB, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, TO REMBRANDT PEALE, W. SANDERS DAVIES, AND WILLIAM. B. OAKIB,

AS TRUSTEES DISTANT CONTROL FOR AUTOMOTIVE MACHINES AND MATERIAL-HANDLING- EAOHINES Application filed November 2, 1921.

The invention relates to a novel manuallyoperated selective control for a plurality of cooperating electrical circuits, and in certain of its features the invention relates to the application of such a control to directing the movements of an automotive machme, and more particularly in certain fea tures to controlling the movements of such a machine from a distant, and if desired a fixed, station.

Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part hereinafter and in part will be obvious herefrom, or may be learned by practice with the invention, the

same being realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in the appended claims.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.

The accompanyin drawings, referred to herein and constituting a part hereof, illustrate one embodiment of the invention, and

together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Of the drawings -Fig. 1 is a top plan of a mechanism embodylng certain features of the invention, the drawing being partially diagrammatic; Fig. 2 is an elevation looking at Fig. 1 from the adjacent side, but with certain parts in vertical longitudinal section;

Fig. 3 is a section, on an enlarged scale, taken on the line 3'3 of Fig. 2;

' Fig. 4 is a fragmentary plan, on an enlarged scale, of the right-hand circuit controlling device of Fig. 1, showing the device in one of the circuit closing positions;

Fig. 5 shows the same mechanism as Fig. 4, but in one of the other circuit closing positions;

Fig. 6 shows the same mechanism as Figs. -15 4 and 5, but in another circuit closing position;

Fig. 7 is similar to Figs. 4, 5 and 6, but

'shows the mechanism in a yet different circuit closing position;

8 shows the same mechanism as Figs.

Serial No. 512,896.

4 to 7, but shows itin one of the four positions for closing a single circuit;

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic view ofan automotive machine and a part of the controlling meus' therefor, and connects with Figs. 1 an Fig. 10 is an end elevation with parts in section of the automotive driving and controlling structure of a loading, carrying and unloading machine embodying the invention;

Fig. 11 is a central vertical longitudinal section, on an enlarged scale, of the right hasd portionof the mechanism of Fig. 10; an

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary elevation, greatly enlarged of the solenoid-o erated mechanism for controlling the band brakes or clutches of the tread-operatin mechanism, the same being shown in end e evation in its ignnelcgion in the machine at the bottom of e broader features of the present invention are the same and have been taken from my co ending application Ser. No. 445,701, filed eb. 17, 1921, patented November 24, 1925, No. 1,562,872; while certain other features relate to improvements in the distant control mechanism shown and described in my said copending ap licat-ion.

In the exemplary em odiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is shown applied as a distant control for an automotive machine the same as, or substantially similar to, the machine and distance control shown and described in my copending application Ser. No. 445,701, filed Feb. 17, 1921. While the invention finds one of its important and valuable a plications in connection with the machine of my said a plication, it will 'be understood that it Wlll have other applications elsewhere as a selective circuit controlling device.

The traction means of the automotive machine of my said application Ser. No. 445,701, comprises traction devices located at either side of the machine and operable independently of each other, that is, the traction multaneously, or one may be driven forwardly and the other backwardly simultaneously, or either one may be driven either forwardly or backwardlywhile the other is at rest. The selective independent operation of the traction means in the different ways just described in the machine of my said application is controlled by electro-magnetic devices, and according to one feature of the invention these electro-magnetic devices are selectively energized and 'de-energized from a distant station, which usually does not travel with the automotive machine.

By the present invention a single manual ly operated circuit-controlling device is provided wherein by a single handle the operator can control the two or more traction devices on either side of the automotive machine in all the different ways just described, so as to handle the machine in the desired manner and in the desired area or space. In addition, the control and the circuits are so constructed and arranged that no combination of circuits can be made which would be conflicting or harmful either to thecontrolling device or in the automotive machine. In other words, the device is fool-proof.

A circuit-controlling device is also shown for controlling the operation of the shovel and of the shovel pusher blade mechanism of the loading machine, and while this mechanism will not be described in detail, it will serve to illustrate and explain one application of the invention.

The circuit-controlling device itself is caacitated to control, by a single handle, havmg a plurality of movements and a combination of movements, whereby a plurality of circuit terminals may be selectively connected in pairs or singly; that is, a particular terminal may be connected selectively with one of two or more other terminals to make different circuits to effect differentfunctions. Furthermore, and more in detail, one circuit terminal is connected with the manually operated device, and this terminal is, at the option of the operator, selectively connected simultaneously either with one or with a plurality of other terminals, such other terminals being so connected in different combinations as desired to effect various desired functions.

Other features of the invention will be first set forth in connection with the detailed description following; and it will be understood that the preceding description as well as the following description, are illustrative and explanatory of the invention, but are not restrictive thereof.

Referring now in detail to the embodiment of the invention illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings. and referring primarily to the automotive structure of a loading, carrying and unloading machine, it is shown comprising (Figs. 10 and 11) a bed plate 401, to which are fixed at either side, pairs of longitudinally disposed, vertically projecting plates 403 and 404 and 405 and 406, which serve as supports for parts, of the automotive and other mechanisms. The traction treads of the automotive machine, as embodied, each consist of two sets of pivoted links, extending side-b side, the pivot pins being exposed at t e center to constitute a part of the drive, as later more fully described. Suitable guiding and backing rollers (not shown) maybe supported by shafts journaled in the plates 403, 404 and 405, 406 for guiding and supporting the rear and forward ends of the traction treads. A similar guiding and backing roller may be centrally located with respect to the treads and similarly supported in the supporting plates, the central roller preferably engaging with the lower or traction reach of the endless traction tread to hold it to its work.

At the rear end of the endless traction treads are located the driving mechanism therefor, and for the sake of clearness, the description will begin with the motor and follow through the driving connections.

A motor 102 is supported upon the floor plate 401 of the machine, and fixed to the motor shaft is a beveled driving pinion 426. Meshing with the pinion 426 is a gear wheel 427 which is fastened to or inte ral with a hollow cylindrical drum 428. n this embodiment, both the traction mechanisms and the shovel-operating mechanisms are operated through this one driving mechanism. The driving gear wheel 427 is located centrally of the drum 428, and the construction and connections at each side are preferably the same, one side being shown partly in sec tion and on an enlarged scale in Fig. 11, and for the sake of clearness a single description of the mechanisms will be given.

The drum 428 is provided at each end with a head 429, the head 429 being centrally apertured to receive the end 430 of a shaft 431. Fixed to the shaft 431 is a cylindrical plate or disc 432, which is in contact with or closely contiguous to the head 429 of the drum 428. The disc 432 terminates at its outer periphery in a conical or conoidal ring 433, the outer periphery of which forms one of the frictional driving surfaces for the treads, as will be later fully described. The plate or disc 432 has openings therein through which projec-t pins or short shafts 434, preferably four in number, which are fixed to or integral with the head 429 of the drum 428. By this construction there is provided relative longitudinal movement between the drum 428 and the shaft 431, but they will always rotate together. A bearing ring 435 for the ends of the shafts or pins 434 may be employed if desired.

Sleeved upon the periphery or outer cylindrical surface of the drum 428, at either side of the gear wheel 427 is a brake ring 440, adapted to have either relative rotary movement with respect to the drum or torotate therewith to effect different movement of the. treads. Extending outwardly from the side of the brake ring 440 are a plurality of stub shafts 441, preferably three in number. On each of the shafts 441 is journaled a pinion 442. A gear ring 443 is fixed to, or is formed upon, the periphery or external surface of the drum 428, the pinions 442 being in mesh with the gear ring 443. A retaining rin 439 has a. cylindrical footing ring 438, which is bolted to the drum 428, the retaining ring keeping the brake ring 440 and pinions 442 in position.

Inclosing the end of the drum 428, the cone ring 433, and the other mechanisms just described, excepting the brake ring 440, is a housing 444, having the general form of a hollow truncated cone, with its top or outer end 447 closed and terminating in a sleeved driving connection 448. At its inner, open end, the housing 444 abuts on the brake ring 440, and on its inner cylindrical surface there is formed an internal gear ring 445, with which meshes the pinions 442. It will be noted that pinions 441 are thus in mesh with gear ring 443 on drum 428 and with gear ring 445 on housing 444.

The housing 444 is provided on its inner surface, and within the gear ring 445, with an internal conical friction ring or surface 446, adapted to cooperate with the friction cone ring 433, in a mannerhereinafter to be described.

The housing 444 is provided with a head 447, which terminates in a central hollow sleeve 448, which sleeve is journaled in the machine frame, and also incloses and journals the shaft 431. Bearing rings or sleeves 449 and 450 may be employed to minimize the friction between shaft 431 and sleeve 448. Keyed on sleeve 448 is a driving sprocket wheel 451, having teeth 452, which mesh with the corresponding endless traction tread to drive it. The sprocket wheel 451 works opposite or against a tread guiding and backing roller, which is the same or similar to the rollers already described, and over which the rear end of the endless traction tread 454 runs, the roller serving to hold the tread both to the driving sprocket 451 and to traction position on the machine.

The embodied form of endless traction or friction tread, extending along the machine frame at either side thereof, comprises a double series of ground or floor-engaging links 455 and 456, each link being pivotally mounted on two adjacent pivot pins 457, each link on one pin nesting the adjacent link which is pivoted on the same pin. and on the other pin being nested by the adjacent link pivoted on that pin. The central parts of the pivot pins 457, between the two series or rows of links are free and clear, and the teeth 452 of the sprocket wheels 451- engage with the pins 457 in this free space to drive the tread. Each of the tread guiding and backing rollers is journaled on a shaft which is supported in the side plates 403 and 404 and 405 and 406, respectively, at either side of the machine, similarly to the guiding and backing rollers already described.

Fixed to the shaft 431 located at the righthand side of the machine in the drawings, to rotate therewith, is a sprocket wheel 468, from which are driven the shovel raising, lowering and holding and the pusher blade operating mechanisms, which will be later described. In the present embodiment, this shaft 431 and the sprocket wheel 468 are continuously driven, said mechanisms being controlled by clutches interposed at a later point in the driving mechanism.

Means are provided for imparting longitudinal movement to both shafts 431, to selectively and independently control or modify the drive from the gear wheel 427 to the two endless traction treads. In the embodied form of such means, devices are provided at each side of the machine for imparting longitudinal movement to the corresponding shaft 431. In said embodied form, two cm operating, non-rotating collars 469 and 470 are mounted loose on shaft 431. These collars are of triangular form on the crosssection shown in Fig. 11, and have their adjacent faces inclined from top to bottom toward each other, but have their outer faces parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 431. Between the rings 469 and 47 0 a longitudinally movable, bifurcated wedge 471 is inserted from above, the wedge straddling the shaft 431. Thrust bearings are provided at either side of the rings 469 and 470, comprising a ball bearing 475 between the ring 469 and the external end of the sleeve 448, and a ball bearing 476 between the ring 470 and a washer 477 against which washer the hub of the sprocket wheel 468 abuts. Sprocket wheel 468 is preferably splined on shaft 431 and is held in place by a nut 478.

In accordance with certain features of the invention, a distant control is provided to control the action of the driving motor on the endless traction treads to travel the machine backwards or forwards, or to turn it to either side. As embodied, and according to one feature of the invention, a solenoid-equipped control of the kind described is provided. As a part of said control, and as embodied, a lever 484 is pivotally connected at 485 to the head of the wedge 471. the lever 484 being pivotally supported at 486 upon the machine frame. At its opposite end 487, the lever 484 is pivotally connected to the core 488 of a solenoid 105, the connections: therefrom to the other parts of the controlv mechanisms being later described. The solenoids may be provided with adequate restoring springs in a known manner.

The controlling mechanisms for the respective brake rings 440, by which the backward travel of the corresponding caterpillar treads is effected, in accordance with certain features of the invention, are a part of the distant control for the entire machine. This mechanism comprises a brake band 494, en; circling the exterior of the corresponding brake ring 440. One end of the brake band 494 is pivotally connected at 495 to a lever 496. Lever 496 is pivotally supported at 497 on the machine frame. The other end of brake band 494 is pivotally connected at 498 to the lever 496, and the lever at its opposite end 499 is pivotally connected to the core 500 of a solenoid 107, the electrical connections therefrom to the remainder of the control mechanism being later described. A spring 102a may be provided to insure the brake band throwing off when the solenoid is deenergized.

- The manner of operation of the mechanism is substantially as follows When the machine is standing still, that is, when neither of the endless traction treads is being driven, but the shovel-operating mechanism is being driven, as would be the case when the shovel is being raised or lowered, or the load is being pushed out of the shovel, the shafts 431 are rotated to drive sprocket wheel 468, while the sleeves 448 are at rest. At this time, wedges 471 are in retracted position, and the cone rings 433 are out of engagement with the cooperating friction bands 446 on the respective housings 444.

Under these conditions, the motor is driving the gear wheel 427, and drum 428 rotates with it, thereby rotating shafts 431 by reason of the pins or lugs 434 projecting through the plate 432. Sprocket wheel 468 rotates with its shaft 431. Brake bands 494 are disengaged from brake rings 440, and the brake rings are free to rotate. Thus when the drum 428 rotates, pinions 442 will also rotate, and brake rings 440 will rotate on the drum 428, the pinions 442 rolling on the interior gearing 445 and the housing 444 will remain at I rest and there will be no drive of the cater pillar treads through their sprocket wheels 451.

If it is desired to drive the machine in a given direct-ion, say forward, the wedges 471 will be driven to their inner or downward position in Fig. 11, and shafts 431, heads 432 and cone rings 433 will be moved (to the right in Fig. 11 and to the left on the other side of the machine), the pins 434 preserving the rotational drive of the drum 428 on the shafts 431. This movement brings cone rings 433 into engagement with their friction rin s 446 on the interior of the housings 444, 100 in g the entire mechanism together, and drum 428, shafts 431 and housings 444 will rotate together. This will drive the two endless traction treads in, say, the forward direction. The sprocket wheel 468 will also be driven, the action of the shovel-operating devices being determined by the clutches or other controls, later to be described. The pinions 442 are at rest, due to the housin s 444 and drum 428 rotating together, and rake rings 440 being left free from their brake bands 494.

When it is desired to drive either of' the endless traction treads in the opposite direction, the corresponding wedge 471 is'retracted, and that cone ring 433 will slip inwardly (to the left in Fig. 11) out of driving engagement with its friction ring 446 on the housing 444, as it is not held to its drive and the load on the sprockets 451 is comparatively heavy. A restoring spring could be employed to push cone ring 433 away from friction band 446, but usually in practice will not be found necessary.

The correspondingbrake band 494 is now caused to clutch brake ring 440, holding it against rotation, and as drum 428 is rotating in the same direction as heretofore, pinions 442 will be caused to rotate, and will rotate the corresponding housing 444 in the opposite direction to the drum 428, but at a slower speed, due to the reduction resulting from the difference in the size of ornumber of teeth on the gear rings 443 and 445, which are located on the drum 428 and on the housing 444, respectively. During these changes in the drive for the treads, the gear 468 is running continuously in one direction, to drive the shovel-operating mechanism, which is controlled elsewhere as already described.

The hereinbefore described mechanism for the drive and distant control of an automotive loading, carrying and unloading machine will be found in greater detail in my copending application Ser. No. 445,701, filed February 17, 1921, patented November 24, 1925, No. 1,562,872.

Referring now in detail to the circuit controlling mechanism, and describing first one of the mechanisms or units (as they both are or may be identical), the controlling device is shown with five circuit terminals, one terminal being positive and the other four terminals being negative, or vice Versa. The positive terminal as shown may be connected with any selected two of the negative terminals, or with any selected one of the negative terminals, at any one time to effect any desired function in the controlled machine or mechanism.

As embodied, a handle 1 of any suitable insulating material is mounted to have a plurality of circuit-controlling motions, and preferably to have motion both about two axes, and further preferably, about an axis internal to itself and an axis external to itself, and it can be movedabout these axes either independently or concurrently. The ,handle 1 has the shaft 2 thereof internally longitudinally hollowed to receive a supportin pin 3, which pin has a hub 4, loosely ]our- ;;1 edonashaftorrodlia To prevent the handle being displaced, a set-screw or pin may be inserted in the pin or su port 3, and project into a slot in the hand e 1. The handle is preferably resilm ientl seated or supported, and there is shown for t is purpose a sprin 8, in compression llietbwzen the bottom of t e handle and the In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the rod 5 is electrically connected to the operating electrical circuit Fig. 1), and is preferably in the positive si e of the circuit, the various arms of the switch opening and closing devices which are mounted. to swing on the rod 5 being in electrical connectfzion therewith and receiving currentthererom.

Loosely mounted on the rod or shaft 5, at

one side of the hub 4, is a circuit-closing and g5 breaking member, having a hub 12 loosely mounted on the rod 5, and electrically connected thereto, having an arm 13 extending upwardly from the hub 12. Thearm 13 is provided at one side with a circuit-closingblade 14, and with a similar blade 15 on the opposite side, which blades may operate with cooperating terminals similarly to the blade of an ordinary knife switch. A weight 16 is preferably provided dependent from the hub 12, which operates to restore the arm 13 to 7 neutral or open-circuit position. a

On the opposite side of the handle mechanism 1 is a similar circuit-controlling device comprising a hub 17 loosely mounted on, an electrically connected to, the rod 5, with an arm 18 extending therefrom. The arm 18 is provided on one side with a circuit closing blade 19 and with a like circuit closing blade 20 on the opposite side. A weight 21 is also preferably fixed to the hub 17 similar to the weight 16.

Cooperating with switch blade 14 is a cir-' handle 1 is formed at the lower part thereof into a laterally-extending plate 32. Plate 32 has at one end thereof a fork or yoke 33, which straddles the arm 13 loosely or freely, and has at the other end thereof a fork or yoke 34, which straddles the arm 18 in like manner.

so The manner of operation of the mechaiiism just described is substantially as folows In Fig. 1 the handle 1 is in the neutral or all circuits-open position and taking for example the left-hand mec anism in that figure, if the operator grasps the handle 1 and would be ma e, one at the terminal 31 and the other at the terminal 29.

If the mechanism be considered again'as in the position of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, all the circuits would be open. If the handle 1 be turned in a clock-wise direction, the mechanism would pass to the position shown in Fig. 6, and two of the circuits would be made, one at the terminal 30 and the other at the terminal 29. That is, a pair of circuits would again be made, but it would be a different 'pair of circuits from-that made in either of the two movements precedingly described.

If the mechanism be again considered as in the position of Figs. 1 and 3, with all the circuits open, and the handle 1 be turned in counter clock-wise direction, the mechanism will be brought to the position shown in Fig. One circuit will be made at the terminal 31 and another circuit will be made at the terminal 28, and it will be noted that this again makes two of the circuits simultaneously in a different combination or pair than any of those preceding.

The word pair as applied to the circuits has the significance of circuits which ma be simultaneously closed to effect harmonious or desired concurrent functions or operations in the controlled machine.

To connect the positive terminal with any selected one of the four' negative terminals, while leaving the other three negative terminals dead or disconnected, a partial twisting movement is given to the handle 1 in either a clock-wise or counter clock-wise direction, and then the handle 1 is rocked about the shaft 5, and this will bring the mechanism to the position shown in Fig. 8, wherein one circuit is made, at the terminal 31, while all the other circuits remain open.

In the application of the invention shown in the drawing, the circuits are taken as arranged in the same order as in my copending application Ser. No. 445,701, already referred to, and as a matter of convenience in referring thereto, certain of the reference numerals applied to certain parts in said ap: plication are appended herein in parentheses after the reference numerals applied herein to the same parts.

The right-hand controlling mechanism shown in Fig. 1 has been chosen accordingly to represent the circuits for controllin the traction means on the automotive mac ine. The terminal 29 (328) connects by a wire 40 327) and a brush 41 (326) with a ring 42 325) on a cylinder 43 (260) which cylinder is journaled in bearings in the end icces 44 (255) and 45 (256) of the frame 46 257). In like manner the terminal 28 323) connects by a wire 47 (322) and a brus 48 (321) with a ring 49 (320) on the cylinder 53 (260) The terminal 31 (308) connects by wire 50 307) and a brush 51 (306) with a ring 52 300) on cylinder 43, and terminal 30 (303) connects by a wire 54 (302) and a brush 55 (301) with a ring 56 (300) on cylinder 43 The rings, of course, are insulated from the cylinder in the usual manner.

The left-hand circuit controlling mechanism shown in Fig. 1 is taken, for example, as the control for the shovel mechanism, in conformity with said copending application. This circuit-controlling mechanism may be the same in structure as that just described, having a handle 60 with yokes 61 and 61' embracing, respectively, arms 62 and 63, journaled loosely at either side of handle 60 on, and being electrically connected to, the rod 5. Arm 62 has a switch blade 64 cooperating with a circuit terminal 65 (275), and a switch blade 66 cooperating with a circuit terminal 67 (280). The arm 63 has a switch blade 68 cooperating with a circuit terminal 69 (293) and a switch blade 70 cooperating with a circuit terminal 71 (298).

The terminal 71 (298) connects by a wire 72 (297) and a brush 73 (296) with a ring 74 (295) on cylinder 43 (260), and terminal 69 (293) connects by a wire 75 (292) and a brush 76 (291) with a ring 77 (290) on cylinder 43 (260). In like manner, terminal 67 (280) connects by a wire 80 (279) and a brush 81 (278) with a ring 82 (277) on cylinder 43 (260), and terminal 65 (275) connects by a wire 83 (274) and a brush 84 (273) with a ring 85 (272) on the cylinder 43 (260). The wire 86 (285) represents the power circuit with a starting box 87 (266) or like device, the rod 5 receiving its current through a wire 88 (284), and a wire 89 (285) and brush 90 (270) contacting with a ring 91 (264) to convey current to the motor of the automotive machine.

The variouscircuits from the rings 42, 49, 52, 56, 74, 77, 82, 85 and 91 pass through a cable 95 (252) wound on the drum 43 (260) the cable having a tension device 96 (258) so that the cable will automatically pay off as the automotive machine recedes from, and will automatically wind up as the automotive machine approaches the control device.

Referring to the diagrammatic representation of the automotive machine of Fig. 9, this figure corresponds to Fig. 8 of my said copending application Ser. No. 445,701, and the corresponding reference numerals from said application will be added in parentheses herein as has already been done.

In Fig. 9 the traction means are indicated diagrammatically and are marked, respectively, by reference numerals 100 and 101, and may be regarded as endless traction treads such as are shown and described in my hereinbefore-mentioned copending application. The driving motor 102 may be regarded as corresponding to the driving motor 25 in said application, and the circuit wires therefor as 103 (250), connected up with the ring 91 (264 and 104 (251), which is grounded on the rame, both in the usual or any proper manner.

The solenoids 105 (89) and 106 (89) effect or control the forward drive of the left-hand tread 100 and the right-hand tread 101, respectively. Solenoid 107 (101) controls the backward travel of the left-hand tread 100 and solenoid 108 (101") controls the backward travel of the right-hand tread 101.

Solenoid 109 (179") operates the shovel either upwardly or downwardly and solenoid 110 (184) operates the shovel in the reverse direction. Solenoid 111 (17 9") operates the pusher blade in one direction and solenoid 112 (184) operates the pusher blade in the opposite direction.

The clrcuit wires from all these solenoids are gathered into a cable 95 (252), which is the cable wound upon and unwound from the drum 43 (260) as already described. The wires pass from the inner end of the cable and are connected to the respective contact rings on the drum 43 in proper order, as shown in Fig. 2. Wire 104 may be used as the common return wire.

The various circuits will be selectively energized by the operation of the handles 1 and 60 as already described, and the details of operation of the automotive machine need not be given herein, as they are fully shown and described in said copending application.

The illustrated and described circuit controlling mechanism operates in the embodied application in substantially the following manner If the right-hand mechanism of Fig. 1 be moved to the position of Fig. 4; that is, if the handle 1 be rocked on shaft 5 to the left in Fig. 3, the automotive machine will move forward. If this right-hand mechanism of Fig. 1 be moved to the position of Fig. 5; that is, if the handle 1 be rocked on shaft 5 in the opposite direction, the automotive mechanism will move backward. If the right-hand mechanism of Fig. 1 be moved to the position of Fig. 6; that is, if handle 1 remains in the position of Fig. 3, but be turned on its sup orting pin 3 in the clock-wise direction, t e automotive machine will wheel sharpl to the ri ht as the traction means on the le t-hand si e will be driven ahead and the traction means on the right-hand side will be driven backwardly.

If the right-hand mechanism in Fig. 1 be moved to the position of Fig. 7; that is, the handle 1 remains upright, but be turned on its pin 3 in the counter clock-wise direction, the automotive machine will wheel sharply to the left, as the right-hand traction means will be moved forwardly and the left-hand traction means will be moved backwardly. If the handle 1 be turned or twisted slightly in one direction or the other on pin 3 and then be rocked about shaft 5 it will selectively close one circuit only of the four, as desired,

as shown in Fig. 8. In the specific case, this would drive the left-hand traction device backwardly while leaving the right-hand traction device at rest.

In the described application of the present invention, the left-hand circuit control mechanism shown in Fig. 1 will be used to raise and lower the shovel and to operate the pusher blade, either separately or simultaneously, according to the manner in which the circuits are made, and further detailed description thereof will not be necessary.

By the present invention, the movements of the automotive machine in any direction are controlled entirely by a single handle, and the operations of the shovel are all likewise controlled by the other handle. F urthermore, the construction and arrangement is such that the circuits can be closed only in such a way as to effect operations or functions which harmonize, and to prevent an opposite condition, so that the device is foolproof for both itself and the controlled machine.

The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific mechanisms shown and described but departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the accompany ing claims without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

What I claim is 1. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and independently operated traction means at either side of the automotive machine, and a single manually operated control for said traction means, located at a point distant from, and normally stationary with respect to the automotive machine, the control being movable forwardly to drive the machine forwardly, movable backwardly to drive the machine backwardly and movable laterally to drive the machine laterally.

2. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction means at either side of the automotive machine, and a single manually operated control for said traction means at a. stationary place apart from the automotive machine movable forwardl to drive the machine forwardly and mova le about another axis to the right or left to drive the machine to the right or left.

3. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction means at either side of the automotive machine, electro-magnetic controls for said traction means, and a single manually operated control for said electromagnetic controls movable forwardly or rearwardly to drive the machine forwardly or rearwardly, and movable about another axis to the right or left to drive the machine to the right or left.

4. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction means at either side of the automotive machine, electro-magnetic controls for said traction means, and a single manually operated control for said electromagnetic controls, at a stationary place apart from the automotive machine movable forwardly or rearwardly to drive the machine forwardly or rearwardly, and movable about another axis to the right or left to drive the machine to the ri ht or left. i

5. An automotive machine and distant c'ortrol therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction means at either side of the automotive machine, devices for driv ing the traction means forward or backward independently of each other, and a single manually operated control for said devices whereby the traction means may be operated independently of each other, said control being located at a point distant from and normally stationary with respect to the automotive machine, for controlling its movements.

6. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction means at either side of the automotive machine, devices for driving the traction means forward or backward independently of each other, and a single manually operated control for said devices whereby the traction means may be operated independently of each other, said control being located at a stationary place apart from the automotive machine.

. 7. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selec-. tively operated traction means at either side of the automotive machine, and a single manually operated control movable about two axes for said traction means to direct the forward and sidewise movements of the automotive machine, said control being located at a point distant from, and normally stationary with respect to the machine.

8. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selective] operated-traction means at either side of t e automotive machine, devices for driving the traction means forward or back ward independently of each other, and a single manually operated control for said devices,- located at a point distant from, and

normally stationary with respect to the machine, whereby the traction means may be operated independently of each other to dire'ct the movements of the automotive machine. 9. An automotive machine and "distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction meansateither side of the automotive machine, devices for driving the traction means forward or backcontrol therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction means at either side of the automotive machine, devices for driving the traction means forward or backward independently of each other, electromagnetic controls for said driving devices, and a single manually operated control for said electro-magnetic devices whereby the traction means may be operated independently of each other to direct the movement of the automotive machine, said manually operated control being at a stationary place apart from the automotive machine.

11. A distant control system for an automotive machine including in combination traction devices at either side of the machine, means including four distinct circuits for controlling the operation of the traction devices, and a single manually operated control handle, located at a point distant from, and normally stationary with respect to, the movable automotive machine, the handle being movable in different directions to open or close certain of said circuits for causing the automotive machine to move forwardly or to the right or left.

12. A distant control system for an automotive machine, including in combination reversible and selectively operated traction and guiding means, electrically operated devices A for controlling the movement of the traction and guiding means, and a single manually operated switch member, located at a point distant from, and normally stationary with respect to, the movable automotive machine,

the switch member being movable in difiere-nt directions for closing circuits through the control devices for causing the automotive damemachine to move forwardly or rearwar'dly or laterally.

13. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction and guiding means, and means including a single manually operated control for said traction means .at' a stationary place apart from the automotive machine for drivln the machine forwardly or backwardly or or turning it laterally for steering.

14. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction and guiding means, and means including a single manually operated control for said electro-magnetic controls for driving the machine forwardly or backwardly or for turning it laterally for steering.

15. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction and guiding means, and means including a single manually operated control distant from the machine for said traction and guiding means for driving the machine forwardly or backwardly or for turning it laterally for steering.

16. An automotivemachine and dist-ant control therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction and guiding means, electro-magnetic controls for said traction and guiding means, and means including a single manually operated control distant from the machine for said electromagnetic controls movable forwardly or rearwardly to drive the machine forwardly or rearwardly, and movable about another axis to the right or left to drive the machine to the right or left.

17 An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectively opera-ted traction and guiding means, including devices for driving the traction and guiding means forward or backward independently of each other, and a single manually operated control for said device's located at a point distant from and normally stationary with respect to the machine, whereby the traction means may be operated independently of each other to direct the movements of the automotive machine.

18. An automotive machine and a distant control therefor, including in combination independently operable traction means at each side of the machine, and electrically operated means separated from the machine operated by a single control handle for independently reversing the traction means at each side of the machine.

19. An automotive machine and a distant control therefor, including in combination independently operable and reversible traction means at each side of the machine, and electrically operated means separated from the machine operated by a single control handle i for independently controlling and reversing the traction means at each side of the machine.

20. An automotive machine and a distant control therefor, including in combination direction reversible traction means on the machine, and electrically operated means. separated from the machine for controlling the traction means, a cable connecting the controllin means and machine, and means automatica ly winding and aying out the cable as the machine approac es and recedes from the controlling means.

21. An automotive machine and a distant control therefor, including in combination independently operable traction means at each side of the machine, and electrically operated means separated from the machine for independently controlling the tract1on means at each side of the machine, a cable connecting the controlling means and machine, and means automatically winding and paying out the cable as the machine approaches and recedes from the controlling means.

22. An automotive machine and a distant control therefor, including in combination direction reversible traction means on the machine, electro-magnetic controlling means for the traction means located on the machine, and stationary current controlling means separated from the machine for said electromagnetic means, circuit wires between the machine and the controlling means and automatically operating means for winding and paying out the wlres as the machine approaches and recedes from the control.

23. A11 automotive machine and a distant control therefor, including in combination direction reversible traction means on the machine, electro-magnetic controlling means for the traction means located on the machine, and stationary current controlling means separated from the machine, including a plurality of switches and circuits, for said electro-magnetic means, circuit wires between the machine and the controlling means and automatically operating means for winding and paying out the wires as the machine approaches and recedes from the control.

24. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction means at either side of the machine, and a manual control operable from a point distant from the machine aiid stationary with respect to the machine,

for driving the traction means simultaneously either forwardly or backwardly, or for driving said means simultaneously in opp0- site directions.

25. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectivel operated traction devices at either side of the machine, means including four electric circuits, two of which are associated with one traction device and two of which are associated with the other traction device, one circuit of each pair for controlling the forward operation and the other circuit of that pair for controlling the backward operation, of its traction device, and a single manual control, distant from the machine, for closing any given circuit.

26. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction devices at either side of the machine, means including four electric circuits, two of which are associated with one traction device and two of which are associated with the other traction device, one circuit of each pair for controlling the forward operation and the other circuit of that pair for controlling the backward operation, of its tractiondevice, and a single manual control, distant from the machine, for simultaneously closing certain of the circuits in pairs.

27. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectivel operated traction devices at either side of the machine, means including four electric circuits, two of which are associated with one traction device and two of which are associated with the other traction device, one circuit of each pair for controlling the forward operation and the other circuit of that pair for controlling the backward operation, of its tract-ion device, and a single manual control, distant from the machine, for simultaneously closin certain of the circuits in pairs in two di erent combinations.

28. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectivel operated traction devices at either side of the machine, means including four electric circuits, two of which are associated with one traction device and two of which are associated with the other traction device, one circuit of each pair for controlling the forward o eration and the other circuit of that pair or controlling the backward operation, of its traction device, and a single manual control, distant from the machine, for simultaneously closin certain of the circuits in pairs in three difl rent combinations.

29. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectivel operated traction devices at either side of t e machine, means including four electric circuits, two of which are associated with one traction device and two of which are associated with the other traction device, one circuit of each pair for controlling the forward operation and the other circuit of that pair for controlling the backward operation, of its traction device, and a single manual control, distant from the machine, for simultaneousl closing certain of the circuits in pairs in fbur different combinations.

30. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction devices at either side of the machine, means including four electric circuits, two of which are associated with one traction device and two of which are associated with the other traction device, one circuit of each pair for controlling the forward operation and the other circuit of that pair for controlling the backward operation, of its traction device, and a single manual control, distant from the machine, for simultaneously closing a circuit contro1- ling the forward operation of one traction device and a circuit controlling the backward operation of the other traction device.

31. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction devices at either side of the machine, means including four electric circuits, two of which are associated.

with one traction device and two of which are associated with the other traction device, one circuit of each pair for controlling the forward operation and the other circuit of that pair for controlling the backward operation, of its traction device, and a single manual control, distant from the machine, for simultaneously closing the two circuits controlling the forward operation of the traction devices.

32. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction devices at either side of the machine, means including four electric circuits, two of which are associated with one traction device and two of which are associated with the other traction device, one circuit of each pair for controlling the forward operation and the other circuit of that pair for controlling the backward operation, of its traction device, and a single manual control, distant from the machine, for simultaneously closing the two circuits controlling the backward operation of the traction devices.

33. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising a reversible and selectively operated traction means at either side of the machine, and a manual control operable from a point distant from the machine, and stationary with respect to the machine for forwardly or reversely driving each of the traction means irrespective of the drive of the other traction means.

34. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising a reversible and selectively operated traction means at either side of the machine, and a manual control operable from a point distant from the machine, and stationary with respect to the machine for disconnecting. or forwardly or reversely driving each of the traction means from a source of power, irrespective of the drive of the other traction means.

35. An automotive machine and distant control therefor including in combination motor driving means, independently operable traction means at either side of the machine, means for independently connecting the traction means at either side of the machine to the motor driving means either directly or in reverse, and stationary electrical control means separated from the machine for independently controlling the driving connections from the motor to the traction means at either side of the machine, to drive, reverse and turn the machine.

36. An automotive machine and a distant control therefor including in combination motor driving means, independently operable endless traction treads at either side of the machine, driving means between the motor and the treads, and stationary electrical control means separated from the machine for independently reversing the driving means from the motor to the traction tread at either side of the machine, to drive, reverse and turn the machine.

37. An automotive machine and a distant control therefor including in combination motor driving means, independently operable traction means at either side of the machine, independent driving means between the motor and each traction means, electromagnetically operated devices in the driving between the motor and each traction means, and stationary means separated from the machine for independently operating said electro-magnetically operated means to independently control the traction means at either side of the machine to start, stop, steer the machine, or to drive it forwardly or backwardly.

38. An automotive machine and a distant control therefor including in combination amotor, independently operable traction means at each side of the machine, independent driving means for each traction means, electro-magnetically operated devices in the drive between the motor and either traction means, and stationary means separated from the machine for independently operating said electro-magnetic devices to independently reverse the traction means at either side of the machine to start, stop and steer the machine, or to drive it forwardly or hackwardly.

39. An automotive material handling machine adapted for use in low-seam mines and a distant control therefor including in combination a motor, independently operable endless traction treads at each side of the machine, driving means between the motor and treads, and stationary electrical control means separated from the machine for independently controlling the driving means at either side of the machine.

40. An automotive material-handling machine adapted for use in low-seam mines and a distant control therefor including in combination a motor, independently operable traction means at each side of the machine,

of the machine with the motor drive in either the forward or reverse direction.

42. An automotive material-handling machine adapted for use in low-seam mines and a distantcontrol therefor including in combination a motor, independently operable traction means at either side of the machine independently driven from the motor, and

stationary electrical control means separated from the machine for independently connecting and disconnecting the traction means at either side of the machine to and from the motor drive to independently start and stop said traction means. 7

43. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising reversible and selectively operated traction devices at either side of the machine, means including two pairs of electric circuits, one circuit for controlling the forward operation and the other circuit of that pair for controlling the backward operation, of the traction device at one side of the machine, and a manual control distant from the machine, for closing any given circuit.

44. An automotive machine and distant control therefor comprising a motor, reversible and selectively operated traction means" at either side of the machine, driving connections from the motor to the traction means, and a manual control operable from a point distant from the machine, and stationary with respect tothe machine, for independently controlling the driving connections from the motor to either traction means to drive the traction means simultaneously or independently either' forwardly or backwardly. Y

45. An automotive machine and a distant control therefor including in combination a motor, traction means at either side of the machine, direct and reverse driving means driven bythe motor, clutch means for independently coupling each of said traction means to either the direct or the reverse driving means, and stationary control means separated from, the machine for independently controlling said clutches.

46. An automotive machine and a distant control therefrom including in combination a motor, traction means at each side of the machine, direct and reversedriving means driven by the motor, electrically-operated clutch means for independently coupling each of said traction means to either the direct or the reverse driving means and stationary electrical control means separated from the machine for independently controlling said clutches.

47. An automotive machine and a distant control therefor including in combination a motor, traction means at either side of the machine, direct and reversely driven connections to the motor and clutches for independently connecting and disconnecting either traction means to its respective direct or reverse motor connection, and stationary means separated from the machine for independently operating said clutches to start, stop and steer the machine.

48. An automotive machine including in combination a frame, amotor, a traction tread at either side of the frame, driving connections from the motor to the traction treads and independently operable devices in the driving connections for either tread and independently operable solenoid equipped means for actuating said devices.

49. An automotive machine including in combination a frame, a motor, a traction tread at either side of the frame, driving connections from the motor to the traction treads and a plurality of independently operable solenoid equipped devices in either of said driving connections for governing the movement of said tread.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

KENNETH DAVIS. 

